From today’s Scripture: “His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’”—Jn 2:17

In this well-known Scripture passage, Jesus cleanses the Temple of people who are conducting business in what was supposed to be a house of prayer. The money changers and others were profiting off of the faithful’s desire to strengthen their relationship with God. Jesus was zealous in his desire to ensure that the spiritual home of the people of Israel was accessible and in good working order. He wanted it to serve the needs of those whom he loved even unto death.

Are we also zealous in prioritizing time for attending church, truly being present and engaged? Or are we squeezing it in when we “find the time” or are just going through the motions of attending out of a sense of obligation? Let us pray to be consumed by the same zeal Jesus experienced, each time we attend Mass.

Let us pray: Lord, may we be consumed with the same zeal you experienced at the cleansing of the temple, so that our every encounter with you during Mass will be celebrated as if it is our first Mass, our last Mass, or our only Mass.

Today’s author is Julia Sauter, a member of Glenmary’s Development team. She holds a master’s degree in Ethics and Social Theory from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

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